CARY, N.C., October 07, 2008 -- A next-generation enterprise data management platform encompassing data quality, data integration and master data management (MDM) is the focus of a new project – Project Unity – by DataFlux, a leading provider of data quality and data integration solutions, and its parent company, SAS, the leader in business analytics.

This advanced platform, built on the strengths of both DataFlux and SAS, will provide a single environment that encompasses the data management lifecycle – from creation, capture and investigation through consolidation, integration and optimization.

The future of data quality, data integration and MDM is being shaped by the need for a single platform that can analyze, improve and control enterprise information – regardless of the source system. To meet these challenges, SAS and DataFlux data quality, data integration and MDM solutions will merge to create a new data management platform.

“After studying the market and talking to our customers, it’s clear that the data quality, data integration and MDM environments are becoming more closely aligned,” said Keith Collins, chief technology officer and SVP of development at SAS. “Together, SAS and DataFlux have significant strengths in each of these arenas, and the goal with Project Unity is to build upon the best of these components and provide a framework that incorporates all core data management capabilities for enterprises.”

The combined platform is designed for organizations that need a comprehensive way to deliver accurate, integrated and timely data to business users across the enterprise. As businesses turn to real-time data management capabilities to support a more agile enterprise, they are looking for a way to match, merge, improve, integrate and deliver trusted data for both operational and analytical applications.

Project Unity will include core data quality, data integration and MDM capabilities along with data federation, business process integration and other features. Additional areas of emphasis include unstructured data support, business process integration, and integration with leading enterprise applications.

“SAS and DataFlux have a long history of innovation and industry leadership, and Project Unity will deliver market-leading technology to help companies manage ever-increasing amounts of data” said Tony Fisher, president and CEO of DataFlux. “These combined technologies will provide a next-generation enterprise data management platform that will serve our customers as they evolve toward the goal of developing trusted data as a strategic corporate asset.”

“The market is calling for integrated products that bind the areas of data quality, data integration, and MDM within a broad data governance framework,” said Ian Charlesworth, Principal Analyst at Ovum. “As such, this project has to be seen as a significant step forward, which should allow SAS and DataFlux to focus on their respective core strengths.”

About SAS

SAS is the leader in business analytics software and services, and the largest independent vendor in the business intelligence market. With innovative business applications supported by an enterprise intelligence platform, SAS helps 44,000 organizations improve performance and deliver value by making better decisions faster. Since 1976 SAS has been giving customers around the world The Power to Know®.

About DataFlux

DataFlux enables organizations to analyze, improve and control their data through an integrated technology platform. With DataFlux enterprise data quality and data integration products, organizations can more effectively and efficiently build a solid information foundation that delivers a unified view of customers, products, suppliers or any other corporate data assets. A wholly owned subsidiary of SAS (www.sas.com), DataFlux helps customers rapidly assess and improve problematic data, building the foundation for enterprise data governance, compliance and MDM initiatives. To learn more about DataFlux, visit www.dataflux.com.

DataFlux and all other DataFlux Corporation LLC product or service names are registered trademarks or trademarks of, or licensed to, DataFlux Corporation LLC in the USA and other countries. ® indicates USA registration. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective companies.